UFC president Dana White isn’t thinking about the future right now.
Khabib Nurmagomedov remained undisputed lightweight champion following a dominant second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday.
Following the fight, Nurmagomedov went on to announce his retirement from the sport as he revealed he had promised his mother this would be his final fight inside the Octagon.
While many in the combat sports world were saddened to hear that news, it also means there will be a new lightweight champion crowned in the near future.
It could be even be as early as the start of 2021 as a rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier has been offered for January 23rd. Although both fighters have accepted the fight, the contracts are yet to be signed.
And with this latest development, it’s possible a new contract could be drawn up as both fighters could now be contesting for the vacant lightweight title.
As far as White is concerned, though, he has no idea and is only looking to go home for now.
“I don’t know. Yeah, I have no idea,” White responded at the post-fight press conference when asked if McGregor and Poirier could compete for a vacant title now.
“Guys, don’t ask me about the future or what the fuck’s going on with anything else because I have no idea. I’ve been here for five weeks, man, getting through this shitty ass year and I’m just ready to fucking go home and we’ll figure out what’s next. As soon as we have answers, you’ll know.”
Given the state of the lightweight division, it certainly makes a lot of sense though.